Jockey Jukebox: Lovato Singing for Students’ Suppers

Frankie Lovato, retired jockey and founder of racing educational organization Jockey World, will be trying a different kind of fundraiser on Monday, June 24 for his annual Jockey Camp: he will be hosting and performing a one-man radio concert.

Lovato is a musician outside of his industry work, and has compiled a lengthy list of 101 songs available for request on piano or guitar. Listeners of his online Jockey World Radio Show can request a song in exchange for a donation by emailing the show in advance at [email protected] or calling 714-583-6807 during the 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. broadcast.

Lovato says he thought of the fundraiser after getting several requests to perform at other racing-related charity events.

“Since Jockey World is on the internet and has members and supporters are across the globe, I had to find a way to get it to the internet as they can not come here,” he said. “Then I thought of the concerts and telethons done all the time where people call in and make pledges by phone.”

The goal isn't to raise funds just for the camp itself, but for the students.

“I'm trying to help students defer some of their expenses,” said Lovato. “What makes it hard is not necessarily the camp cost, but many [students] come from all over the nation so traveling expenses can sometimes exceed the camp.”

Lovato's Jockey World Radio Show is a bimonthly internet radio broadcast aimed at educating new fans about the racing industry; it's an extension of his website and racing social network, Jockey World. Lovato launched his annual Jockey Camp in 2009 to give kids interested in the racing industry a chance to learn more about life on the backstretch. Students ride Equicizers and master simulated riding exercises at the three-day camp at his home base in Ohio.